Opposing Forces

by aldivan teixeira torres

—I also support him. He was one of the first pioneers of the land in the region of Mimoso. His attitude with the natives was extremely important and decisive. He is the only one who can replace me as mayor.

  —Well, if you two approve his candidacy and attest, I don't object. I support him as the next Mayor of Pesqueira.

  The three applaud the governor and Major Quintino pulls the Colonel of Rio Branco into another room. They would have a private conversation.

  —What do you want to tell me? Why did you pull me in that way?

  —I have something to offer to you, Sir. I have a beautiful daughter named Christine and want her to marry as soon as possible. I thought about possible suitors. Then I remembered your son Bernardo and how he is your rightful successor both in attitude as well as politics. I think he would be a perfect match for my daughter. What do you say? It would be great if the two united our families.

  Sir Henrique thinks for a moment and answers.

  —I was also thinking about getting Bernardo married. There comes a time when a man has to wise up and lay down roots. Your daughter would be a great advantage for him. However, wasn't she going to be a nun?

  —She's already abandoned that idea. My wife filled her head when she was a girl. Now, she's settled and ready to get married. When can we set up the wedding?

  —I think a month is enough to take care of the arrangements. We have to have a big party and invite our fellow companions within the system.

  —Of course. Everything for the happiness of the two. I cannot wait until my house is full of grandchildren.

  The two shake hands and return to the governor's office where they join the mayor. They bid farewell to the highest political authority of the state and head to a nearby hotel. They would spend two more days in the capital of Pernambuco participating in ceremonies and enjoying the beauty of the beaches.

  Return to the Inland

  The three travelers from the interior depart from the hotel and the facilities of the capital of Pernambuco. They charter a vehicle directly to the train station. In a short time they arrive at their destination. They get out of the car, buy their tickets and finally embark. They sit in the first class section. The mayor and the Colonel of Rio Branco start talking but the major appears thoughtful, his thoughts scattered. The images of Claudio and Christine come to his mind. No, they could never be together because they belonged to entirely different worlds. He didn't raise his daughter to be a clerk at a retail store. She deserved so much more than that because she was the daughter of a major, the highest political authority in the region of Mimoso. In his mind, the major sees Claudio in jail and it gives him a strange feeling of pleasure. Who told him to betray him like that? Who authorized him to dream so high? He was simply paying the price of his own madness. The major envisions the entire scene and has no regrets. After all, he was looking after the interests of his daughter and her future.

  The train jolts and the major begins to enter into conversation with his two companions. They talk of their future projects. The Colonel of Rio Branco yearns to make his village a town in a few years and later earn its independence from the city of Pesqueira. He dreams of being mayor and getting good positions for his friends and family. The mayor speaks about leaving politics and becoming a great landlord in the hinterlands, around Vila Bela. He speaks about caring for herds of cattle and planting extensive plantations. The money he got by fraudulent measures would be enough to accomplish this plan. The major is more modest. He wants to see his daughter married and with children. He also is counting on the word of the governor who promised to support him for mayor. The three continue to talk and an employee offers them juice and snacks. They accept. Time passes quickly and they go through the major cities of the state. When they arrive in Pesqueira, the mayor bids them farewell and disembarks.

  The remaining route (fifteen miles) between Mimoso and the headquarters is made smoothly and safely. The major and the Colonel of Rio Branco remain silent most of the time. When the train arrives in Mimoso, the major bids farewell and disembarks. Upon leaving, it shows on his face how happy he is as he has returned successful.

  Arranged Marriage

  After greeting the station officials, the major heads for his house. He sees some people along the way but doesn't pay much attention because he's thinking on how best to break the news to his women. What would Christine's reaction be? What would his beloved wife say? The first had betrayed his confidence by dating a simple tax collector. The second still wished her daughter was a nun. Well, he didn't care. He was the man of the house and the two would have to abide by his decisions. What he decided was best for the whole family. With that thought, the major hurries and before long arrives home. He opens the front door and heads to the living room but there's no one there. He calls his daughter and wife and they respond from the kitchen. Quickly, he heads there.

  —I've returned from Recife. Won't you hug me?

  Christine and Helena warmly respond to the major's request. They exchange caresses a while.

  —I bring good news for you. Look, what an honor, I had the privilege of speaking with the governor in person.

  —I always knew you were a great man. Since I met you I knew you were the man of my life. A man of vision and success. You bought the rank of major, we moved to Recife and you had the bright idea to get hold of much of the land located west of Pesqueira. Ever since then, we've had many accomplishments. I'm proud of you, my love. (Helena)

  The major and his wife hug and kiss and Christine is thrilled with the scene. She also wanted to be as happy as her parents were.

  —What news do you have, father? I'm dying to know.

  The major asks them to sit with a serious and mysterious look on his face.

  —Well, there are two big announcements. The first is that the governor will give his full support to my candidacy for mayor of the city of Pesqueira. The second, and no less important, is that I have planned a nice marriage for you, Christine. Your husband will be the son of the important Colonel of Rio Branco. His name is Bernardo and he is the same age as you. The wedding will be in a month.

  A cold chill runs down Christine's spine and she gets a little dizzy. Had she heard correctly? This reality was worse than any nightmare.

  —What? You've arranged a marriage for me? I wasn't expecting that. Father, I'm not ready for it. I don't even know this guy much less love him. Please forgive me, but I'm not going to marry him.

  —I am also opposed to it. I always dreamed that she become a nun. I still have hope that she will go back to the convent. Marriage will not bring happiness to my daughter.

  —It is decided. You thought I was going accept you flirting around with Claudio? Not even in his wildest dreams could he ever be my son-in-law. I didn't raise my daughter to give herself to just anyone. As for love, don't worry, you'll acquire it over time.

  Christine starts crying about the whole situation. Did that mean he already knew about her and Claudio? He hadn't said anything.

  —Father, I love Claudio with all my might. Even if I can't be with him, I wouldn't forget him. This marriage that you arranged for me will only bring unhappiness. I feel that this will not end well.

  —Nonsense. Everything is going to be all right. As for Claudio, he will no longer do you any more harm. I've taken him out of...circulation.

  —What did you do with him?

  —I told Deputy Pompeu to arrest him. There, he will regret the day he touched you.

  —You're a heartless monster. I hate you!

  Christine leaves the kitchen and goes and locks herself in her room. She would cry the rest of the day for her impossible love.

  Visit

  The arrival of a new day didn't seem to be animating Christine. She had just woke up but remained motionless on the bed. The previous day had been devastating in her life. With the news of the arranged marriage, her heart was destroyed and her hopes of being happy too. She could only think of Claudio and his suffering. She tries to get up but her we
akened body resists the attempt. She tries once, twice, three times until she can get up. She looks in the mirror and sees a felled and defeated Christine. What would become of her? Could she hide the disgust she felt for this stranger who was going to marry her? After all he was destroying a beautiful love story. She reflects better and changes her opinion. The two weren't to blame. The archaic system that says that parents should arrange marriages for their children was to blame. Where was the idolized freedom conceived in the French Revolution? It simply did not exist in Brazil. Equality and fraternity were also distant goals to be achieved. In a world where the colonels and authoritarians ruled there was no place for human rights.

  Christine walks away from the mirror and decides to take a bath. Maybe a bit of cold water would sooth her nerves and her mood? It is with that hope that she goes into the bathroom. About twenty minutes later she comes out looking to be a little better. Water really has the ability to restore forces. She dries herself off and puts on a nice outfit. Soon after, she goes to have breakfast in the kitchen. She finds her mother being served by Gerusa.

  —Where is father?

  —He left early. He went to buy cattle on the farm nearby. Later, he has a business meeting in at the Residents' Association. (Helena)

  —Is he still fixed on the idea of wanting to have me married?

  —He was very clear yesterday. Your wedding is scheduled for next month. If I were you I would learn to accept it because he won't change his mind.

  —You, my mother, could not appeal for me? This marriage won't bring anything good for our family.

  —I don't want to fight with your father. Our marriage has lasted so long because I knew how to be cautious and submissive. If you had listened to me and stayed in the convent, you would not be facing this situation. You would be right in this very moment, in full communion with our Lord Jesus Christ.

  —I wasn't going to live your dream, mother. I have my own life. There are many other ways to serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

  —Then don't ask anything of me.

  Christine was quiet and finished having breakfast. She gets up and invites Gerusa to accompany her on a walk, and she readily agrees. The two leave in order not to arouse the suspicions of Helena. When they are outside of the house, Christine passes on instructions to the maid. She accepts and the two continue to walk. They were heading to the police station where Christine intended to see, if only briefly, her great love, Claudio. She was devastated thinking about the atrocities to which they were submitting him. She hastens her steps, looking forward to seeing him. She had not forgotten the moments on the mountain or Sucavão where she surrendered herself totally. Her father could marry her to another man but it wouldn't kill the feeling she carried in her heart. Not even if he wanted to, he couldn't do that.

  Sometime later they finally get to the police station. Christine orders Gerusa to wait outside and she heads to the office of the delegate.

  —What a very good morning, Miss Christine, what do you want?

  —I want to speak with the inmate, Claudio.

  —I'm sorry but I have strict orders that he is not to receive visits from anyone. By the way, his parents were here and I sent them off. He is held with no visitors.

  —You know very well that his arrest is illegal. If the authorities of the municipality find out, you are in big trouble.

  —Really, the only authority I know is your father, the major. That man is terrible, if you forgive me for saying so.

  —You don't understand me. I want to see him now or are you going to refuse to answer a request from the daughter of the major?

  Delegate Pompeu thought about it for a while and decided not to risk it. He called one of his subordinates and ordered them to leave Claudio alone with Christine, in a reserved room. The two embraced and they kissed at length.

  —How are you? Are they hurting you?

  —I'm beat up. Being away from you is the greatest of all torment. The treatment and food are not good but I am alive. You were right Christine; your parents are very biased.

  Christine passes her hand on Claudio's back and realizes there are marks of his suffering visible. A shiver runs through her body and she starts to cry.

  —Why did all this have to happen? Why can't two humans have the right to love freely? And the request we made to mountain? Will it come true some day?

  —Have faith in love and in the mountain, Christine. As long as we're alive, there is hope, however small. We went into the cave of despair, even if it was in our imaginations, and we beat the obstacles and traps. The cave is able to make the deepest desires come true.

  —Yes, it's true. Often, in my imagination, I have gone into parallel planes where only the two of us reside. I see myself married with seven of your beautiful children.

  —That's the way. However, you shouldn't have risked so much by coming here. This place stains your beauty. I'm going to be all right, don't worry. If you see either of my parents, please tell them that I miss them.

  —I took a chance because I love you. Never forget it. I will be praying to Saint Sebastian, the brave soldier, asking for your freedom.

  —Thank You. I love you, too.

  The two hug, kiss and finally say goodbye. Time was up. Upon leaving the room, Christine thanks the delegate and goes away. Gerusa is outside, waiting. Christine gives her a few more instructions and the two go back home.

  The Beating

  Major Quintino is in a business meeting in the building of the Residents' Association. He gestures, proposing agreements and listens to complaints from the members of the association. His rank of major gave him the right to have the last word. In the middle of the meeting, Delegate Pompeu shows up asking for five minutes of his attention. He excuses himself and goes to talk to him outside of the association.

  —What is so important that you had to interrupt the meeting? Couldn't you wait to talk to me later? (Major)

  —I came to inform you that your daughter showed up at the police station demanding to speak with the inmate Claudio.

  —What? You didn't allow it, did you?

  —She insisted so much, I gave in. After all, she's your daughter.

  —You really are incompetent. Had I not given the order not to let anyone visit? The only reason you are not immediately removed from your post is because you've already serviced the community relevantly. As of today, do not allow him to receive any more visitors, not even if it's the Pope himself. My daughter let me down once more. I think I have to take serious action.

  —I will comply, sir. Thank you for not firing me.

  —You're dismissed. I have heard enough.

  The major bids farewell to the delegate and returns to the association building to let them know he was leaving. Some people complain but he doesn't care. Stunned, he heads to his home where Christine awaits, innocently. Flurries of thoughts fill the confused mind of the major. He recalls the betrayal by Christine and his blood boils even more. Who did she think she was dealing with? With a comprehensive and loving father? She didn't even wait for the major's reaction. He remembers Christine's reaction upon learning of the arranged marriage and how she misunderstood. The zeal for his family and the future of his daughter took first place for him. He would climb over any obstacles to achieve his goals. Even if that meant he lost the love and affection of his only daughter. She would thank him, later, in the future. Sometime after the major arrives home, opens the front door and enters. The first person he sees is his wife, Helena.

  —Where is Christine?

  —She's in her room, resting.

  —Call her immediately. I want to speak with her.

  Helena knocks on the door of her room and calls her. Moments later she appears and faces the major.

  —It's you whom I want to speak to. What's this I hear about you talking with Claudio? Do you not understand that you two have no future?

  —My heart told me to meet with him and see how he was. You can force me to marry another man but not erase what
I feel for him. Our love is eternal.

  —You will pay dearly for having gone up against me. I'm the major, the highest decision-making authority of this region, and not even you, my daughter, can go against my will. Listen carefully: As of today, I forbid you to leave without my permission and I will do something I should have done a long time ago.

  The major unravels the leather belt that is on his pants and with a fast move grabs Christine with one of his strong, masculine arms. Christine tries to escape but can't. Mercilessly, he begins to deal serious blows to her with the belt. Christine screams in pain and her mother, Helena tries to save her. The major threatens her and she moves away. He keeps beating Christine for a while and when he realizes that it's enough, he stops. Christine falls exhausted and wounded on the ground. Helena comes to her aid and the major retires. Christine cries, not from pain, but from finding out that her father is a heartless scoundrel. She doesn't regret anything that she did nor the love she felt for Claudio. She was willing to suffer for something she considered to be sacred. The major's beatings and threats didn't prevent her from dreaming about her true love. After all, what meaning would life have if she lost hope of being happy? For love, she'd risk losing her life if necessary.

  Helena helps Christine take a shower and then to collect herself in her room. She was in no condition to receive anyone or partake in any activity.

  Gerusa's Cousin

  Mimoso had received a new inhabitant who was just arriving at the train station. It was Clemilda, Gerusa's cousin. Originally from Bahia, her birth had been surrounded by mysteries. She had been born at the exact moment when her mother was participating in an occult ritual tribute. Ever since she was born, the girl showed a certain natural ability in dealing with these forces. Fearing her gifts, her mother abandoned her shortly after at the door of a charitable institution. She was rescued by employees and raised as their daughter. Since her adoption, mysterious occurrences began to happen at that same institution. Glass and mirrors broke frequently, fires occurred without apparent reason and the sound of claws could be heard on the roof and on the windows. In one of those fires, she was the only child to escape. The institution was closed and she had become an orphan again. She was then snatched up by a homeless man and began practicing petty crime to survive. Her gifts were discovered and her benefactor began using it to his benefit to amass wealth. She grew up cheating, stealing and tampering with lottery results. Shortly after her benefactor died and she was free of his influence. She was alone in Salvador. She then decided to write a letter to her cousin Gerusa (who visited her regularly and was the only family that she had ever met) telling her the situation. She invited her to come live in Mimoso, where she worked as a maid in a wealthy home. Clemilda readily accepted.